US envoy Tom Barrack sparks Lebanon backlash over animalistic remark

A top U.S. diplomat drew sharp condemnation in Beirut after telling local reporters to “act civilized” and refrain from behaving “animalistic” during a news conference following a meeting with Lebanon’s president. The exchange occurred at a moment of heightened sensitivity over efforts to disarm Hezbollah and amid broader questions about Washington’s influence in Lebanon, where the government is pressing ahead with plans that could unlock billions in foreign aid tied to regional security reforms.

The incident unfolded at the Baabda Palace after the envoy, Tom Barrack, met with President Michel Aoun to discuss Lebanon’s effort to disarm Hezbollah. Barrack warned that the session would not tolerate disorder, saying, “We’re going to have a different set of rules; please be quiet for a moment,” before adding that “the moment this starts becoming chaotic, like animalistic, we’re gone.” He urged reporters to “act civilized, act kind, act tolerant, because this is the problem with what’s happening in the region,” and suggested that if questions continued in a rowdy fashion, the briefing would end. The remarks drew immediate criticism from journalists and commentators who viewed them...