What is Behind Defending Islam?

Macron's comments have caused a backlash in several Arab states, among those political players who are close to Erdogan and the Muslim Brotherhood. Qatar is another close ally of Turkey. The Gulf state is seen as a key sponsor of the Muslim Brotherhood and its regional offshoots. 

In Qatar, Jordan or Kuwait, calls to boycott French products are spreading like wildfire on social networks. Videos circulated showing cheeses, Kiri or Babybel, removed from the shelves of Kuwaiti department stores and the University of Qatar announced the postponement of the French cultural week.

It's not a surprise that Turkey's President Tayyip Recep Erdogan is escalating tensions with the West. One reason, is that Erdogan has failed to address Turkey's economic problems that have been exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic. Polls show significantly declining support for the ruling party and its allies. 

Erdogan knows that if Europe or the US impose sanctions on Turkey then his votes will increase. That's the reason why he's in a fight with Macron and Trump. Erdogan's main concern is to maintain support among voters. 

Erdogan is unable to produce policies which could save the Turkish economy. And no one is surprised that he's called on Turkish people to boycott French products. He doesn't care at all whether he has a belligerent image or not, the only thing that matters for him right now is to secure support among voters.