There was actually a time the French were some mean SOBs.
France never recovered from The Great War.
The French military is a foul-weather friend. The French politicians are no more cowardly than our flock of political chickens.
I remember being in Munich last year. The only religious expression (which was ubiquitous) on the streets was Muslim. Hajibs even black near burkas were everywhere. Churches were closed, and unused unless as tourist attractions.....the only active western religious site was a shrine to Michael Jackson, covered with flowers, tear-filled letters, stuffed animal dolls and burning candles. As in France Jews walk quickly and discretely from place to place without kippot or other identifying accoutrements. France is too Catholic to save herself. Germany, too self-loathing. The British are at the crossroads, maybe they can save themselves, if they return to their religious roots, closer to the Bible and the Torah.