US Ambassador Apologizes for ‘Animalistic’ Remarks to Lebanese Reporters

Tom Barrack, the U.S. ambassador to Turkey and envoy to Syria, apologized for describing Lebanese journalists as "animalistic" during a press conference in Beirut, stating he did not intend the term in a derogatory manner but acknowledged it was inappropriate. The comment came as reporters vocally pressed him to move to a podium during discussions on Lebanon's efforts to disarm Hezbollah and implement a ceasefire agreement with Israel. Barrack urged the journalists to "act civilized, act kind, act tolerant" and warned he would end the conference if the situation became chaotic. His remarks sparked widespread backlash, including calls from the Lebanese press syndicate for an apology and a boycott of his visits, while the Lebanese Presidential Palace expressed regret over his language. In a subsequent interview, Barrack reiterated his call for civility but admitted he should have been more tolerant and generous with his time. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in Lebanon involving Hezbollah's disarmament and regional security concerns.