Lifeless bodies pulled from ruins, roads and bridges ripped apart, entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble — these are the classic earthquake images. The latest come from Turkey and Syria, which were devastated by a fierce quake on Monday. Turkey, with a thriving economy, a well-organized state, and rich Western friends, is well equipped to rush relief to victims. In Syria the situation is quite the opposite. Syria has been under crushing economic sanctions for more than a decade. War has destroyed its cities and forced millions from their homes. Foreign forces occupy its most productive land. The economy has collapsed. Cholera is spreading. Hunger looms. Yet any person or group that sends relief aid to the Syrian government risks punishment for sanctions-busting.

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