RT.com
27 Aug 2025, 07:02 GMT+10
Tom Barrack has sparked outrage with his comments at a press conference in Beirut
US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack told journalists from the podium of the presidential palace in Beirut that their "animalistic" behavior highlights the core problems of the region.
The controversial remarks, delivered at a press conference on Tuesday following talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, drew sharp condemnation from media organizations, political figures, and the country's presidency itself.
"The moment this starts becoming chaotic, like animalistic, we're gone," Barrack told reporters as they shouted questions during a crowded briefing. "Act civilized, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what's happening in the region," he added.
His words were met with anger in the press room and prompted swift backlash outside. The Lebanese presidency issued a statement on X expressing "regret for the statements inadvertently made from its platform by one of its guests," while reaffirming "its full appreciation for all journalists and accredited media representatives." Information Minister Paul Morcos also voiced regret, calling the remarks "inappropriate."
Lebanese journalist associations were less diplomatic. The photojournalists' syndicate described the envoy's words as a "direct insult" that set "a serious and totally unacceptable precedent," and demanded "an immediate and public apology," warning that otherwise it could urge a boycott of Barrack's visits. The union of journalists said the remarks reflected "unacceptable arrogance in dealing with the media."
Several prominent reporters condemned the envoy personally. Veteran correspondent Hala Jaber accused Barrack of behaving "like a nineteenth-century colonial commissioner," while journalist Ali Hashem said his words showed "the level of arrogance displayed by US officials in Lebanon." Ibrahim Musawi, a Hezbollah lawmaker and head of parliament's media committee, called the statement a "blatant insult" and urged the government to summon and reprimand the American ambassador.
Barrack was leading a congressional delegation that included Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Jeanne Shaheen as part of Washington's campaign to pressure Hezbollah to disarm. As of Wednesday, the US Embassy in Beirut had not commented publicly on the controversy.
(RT.com)
Get a daily dose of Greek Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Greek Herald.
More InformationTrump rolls out additional measures to address crime in D.C. U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order directing...
Washington, DC [US], August 26 (ANI): US President Donald Trump is ramping up pressure on countries he believes are unfairly targeting...
Share article Print article The fate of Lisa Cook, who is fighting attempts by President Donald Trump to remove her from the Federal...
Share article Print article The fate of Lisa Cook, who is fighting attempts by President Donald Trump to remove her from the Federal...
New Delhi [India], August 26 (ANI): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has begun the September 2025 round of its Urban Consumer Confidence...
New Delhi [India], August 26 (ANI): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched the September 2025 round of its Inflation Expectations...
BERLIN, Germany - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz says he doesn't believe Israel targeted journalists in the attack on Gaza's Nasser...
Washington DC [US], August 27 (ANI): US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced that President Donald Trump will chair a 'large meeting'...
New Delhi [India], August 27 (ANI): The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday called the killing of journalists in southern Gaza...
Algiers [Algeria], August 27 (ANI): Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi paid a visit to Cherchell Military Academy...
Tom Barrack has sparked outrage with his comments at a press conference in Beirut US Ambassador to Türkiye and Special Envoy to Syria...
Paris [France], August 27 (ANI): President Emmanuel Macron has strongly rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's criticism...
