5: The Unfolding Tragedy in Turkey and Syria

On Monday, February 6, 2023 a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck Turkey and Syria. It is the world’s deadliest earthquake in more than a decade. The latest reports from the two countries put the death toll at 22,375, with thousands more injured. Rescue workers are now racing against time to pull survivors from the rubble of collapsed buildings in freezing winter conditions‚ but hopes are fading. 

As the world watches this tragedy unfold, the death count is increasing daily. David Satterfield, now Director of the Baker Institute, served as U.S. Ambassador to Turkey from 2019 to 2022 and worked extensively in Northern Syria. Here, in conversation with Judge Ed Emmett, he shares his perspective on the events unfolding in Turkey and Syria. 

Discussants

• The Honorable David M. Satterfield, Director, Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Janice and Robert McNair Chair in Public Policy

• Edward M. Emmett, Fellow in Energy and Transportation Policy, Baker Institute for Public Policy