The reason why the flight diverted was that the natives were somewhat restless in Beirut that day and getting to/from the airport via surface routes was difficult.
Bogus reason ! .. BS
Many planes landed before and after AF plane in Beyrouth
More ... it's dangerous events in Syria than a simple road blockade in Beyrouth and more .. the french political position about Syria is not a friendly one
Knowing all this (and knowing the identity of some of the passengers) Damascus was to be avoid at all costs
By landing in Damascus AF has put the lives of some (if not all) passengers in danger