Alain Gresh, of Monde Diplomatique explains the reasons behind the French eclipse in the Middle East. Read the article in L' Orient-Le Jour
http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/958545/alain-gresh-diagnostique-la-fin-du-role-historique-de-la-france-au-moyen-orient.html
and also
http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/975041/palestine-quel-malaise-francais-.html