US Envoy’s Controversial Remarks Spark Outrage in Lebanon
Tom Barrack, the US ambassador to Turkey and special envoy to Syria, has sparked outrage in Lebanon with his comments at a press conference in Beirut, where he called journalists ‘animalistic’ and blamed the region’s problems. His remarks, made following talks with President Joseph Aoun, have drawn sharp condemnation from media, political figures, and the Lebanese presidency. The Lebanese presidency issued a statement expressing regret for the statements made by one of its guests, while reaffirming its appreciation for all journalists. Information Minister Paul Morcos also voiced regret, calling the remarks ‘inappropriate.’
Lebanese journalist associations were particularly vocal in their criticism, with the photojournalists’ syndicate describing the envoy’s words as a ‘direct insult’ that set ‘a serious and totally unacceptable precedent.’ They demanded an immediate and public apology, warning that otherwise it could urge a boycott of Barrack’s visits. The union of journalists also said the remarks reflected ‘unacceptable arrogance in dealing with media.’
Several prominent reporters condemned the envoy personally, with veteran correspondent Hala Jaber accusing Barrack of behaving ‘like a nineteenth-century colonial commissioner.’ 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. The comments have raised concerns about the sensitivity of diplomatic interactions and the potential for such remarks to escalate tensions in an already volatile region.