Why did the French back out? I'm sure there are a number of reasons no one will ever know.

#1 reason IMO was the "Oil for Food" behind the scenes dealing with Irag and the French government. Seems France and Russia among others did not honor the UN embargo on Iraq and were lining Saddam's pockets and their own with Billions of dollars. They didn't want the world to find out they were dirty. Food never got to the Iraqs and made both sides very rich.

Another reason is that France is very left leaning. Which is why they embrace the Kerry, Clinton and Kennedy's in our culture and hate Bush. Purely political.

The far left loaths war for any reason. Basically pacificts that think both sides are wrong and the issue can be worked out.

Another reason is the French have no military mite to speak of. They are a paper Tiger (much like Germany). You could probably name a half dozen or more 3rd world nations with more military power.

Anyway that how I see it anyway.