I Have Also Used The French Defense While Playing Black For Some Success

I've been reading columns by War Nerd. Chris at Incoming Signals had sent a link to War Nerd's column with his take on the history of the French military (as opposed to the usual stuff you read.)

Also recommended:

War Nerd: It's Not Nam, But It'll Do

War Nerd: Afghanistan: What Went Right?

War Nerd: Iraq: the “Duh!” Theory