In this special edition of Middle East Matters, we focus on the aftermath of last week's deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria. Tens of thousands dead and millions in desperate need of basic food-stuffs, water, shelter and medical aid - frustration mounts over the response of Ankara and Damascus - both governments stand accused of a lack of leadership and accountability, and of mismanaging relief efforts.
In Turkey, many blame faulty construction for the vast devastation wreaked by the quakes. Turkish authorities are targeting contractors allegedly linked with some of the buildings that collapsed, but critics say the government is trying to shift the blame for a disaster that has exposed its own corruption and negligence. To discuss the political fallout, we're joined by Turkish journalist Yavuz Baydar.
As rescue operations wind down, the focus is now switching to the massive humanitarian crisis in the wake of the disaster. The United Nations says more aid is on the way, but survivors - including more than a million children - will need long-term assistance.
In Turkey, many of the victims had already fled devastation in Syria, having endured bombardments, chemical attacks and starvation during more than a decade of civil war. Those who have survived this latest tragedy are now living in the shadows of broken buildings in devastated cities like Kahramanmaras, without access to food, water, or electricity. FRANCE 24's Nadia Massih and Julie Dungelhoeff report from the ground.
Meanwhile, in war-torn and politically-isolated Syria, some fear the outpouring of global support could give the Bashar al-Assad regime an opportunity to renew diplomatic relations with the wider world.
