Economist Podcasts What it is in aid of: Syria’s earthquake response
Feb 20, 2023
Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, sheds light on the dire humanitarian crisis in northwest Syria post-earthquake, highlighting the complex dynamics of aid amid political tensions. He discusses how longstanding sanctions complicate relief efforts. Mike Bird, Asia business and finance editor, explores South Korea's precarious property market, detailing how rising interest rates and household debt are driving housing prices down, posing risks to the economy. Together, they paint a picture of two interconnected crises.
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Syria's Disaster Diplomacy
- Northwest Syria, devastated by war and earthquakes, faces a humanitarian crisis.
- Syrian President Assad leverages the disaster to ease sanctions on his regime.
Aid to Northwest Syria
- The UN delivered aid to northwest Syria, but Assad hindered access.
- Assad's regime views the rebel-held northwest as a terrorist region.
Assad's Calculated Move
- Assad's decision to open new aid routes is self-serving, not benevolent.
- He aims to improve his international image and ease sanctions.