Lebanese Journalists Demand Apology from US Envoy over Insulting Remarks

U.S. Special Envoy to Syria Tom Barrack sparked widespread outrage in Lebanon after referring to journalists' behavior as "animalistic" during a press conference in Beirut. His comments, made after a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, were perceived as condescending and reflective of colonial arrogance, prompting immediate demands for a public apology from various Lebanese press organizations, including the Lebanese Journalists’ Union, the Press Editors Syndicate, and the Union of Journalists in Lebanon. The Lebanese Presidency expressed regret over Barrack's remarks, emphasizing its respect for journalists and their professional duties. Several journalist unions threatened to boycott Barrack's future visits and events if he fails to apologize, asserting that his statements violate basic diplomatic etiquette and undermine press freedom. The controversy was further amplified by Hezbollah-affiliated media, which framed the incident as evidence of U.S. subservience to Israeli interests and criticized the envoy’s rhetoric as colonialist. This incident occurs amid ongoing U.S. and Gulf efforts to disarm Hezbollah as part of a broader regional security arrangement.