US envoy prompts outrage in Lebanon after telling media to ‘act civilised’

After instructing a group of local journalists to “act civilized,” a top US diplomat has sparked outcry and demands for an apology in Lebanon.

After meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut to discuss plans for the disarmament of Hezbollah, American ambassador to Turkiye and special envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack made the remarks.

Barrack, who is Lebanese, chided reporters for yelling questions at once and appeared to link their behavior to Middle Eastern conflict after briefing local media following the meeting.

Please be quiet for a moment while we have a different set of rules, Barrack said.

“And I want to tell you that we are gone as soon as this starts to become chaotic, like animalistic.” You want to know what’s going on, then. Because of the regional situation, act civilized, kind, and tolerant.

We’ll respond to your questions in accordance with your kindness, interest, and thoughtful questions, Barrack continued. We’re gone if that’s not how you’d like to run.”

Commentators accused the diplomat of displaying arrogance and a colonial mentality after hearing Barrack’s remarks in Lebanon and elsewhere.

The Lebanese Presidency expressed regret for the remarks, saying in a statement on X that it “extended its highest regards for all journalists’ efforts and dedication to carrying out their professional and national duties.”

The envoy’s Lebanese and Arab media outlets were instructed to abstain from coverage of upcoming events until he publicly apologizes in person.

The media union said in a statement that Barrack’s comments against journalists reflect an unacceptable superiority in dealing with the media and an implicit disdain for the work of journalists. They are not just a slip of the tongue or a personal stance.

Additionally, his remarks “reflect ing ingrained colonial arrogance toward the peoples of the region” and “represent a blatant violation of fundamental principles of diplomacy, including respect for press freedom and people’s right to know.”

According to Mohamad Hasan Sweidan, a columnist for The Cradle in Beirut, Barrack’s comments reflect Washington’s attitude toward the area, according to Hasan Sweidan.

By defining their actions as animalistic, “Tom Barrack is reminding us how they view people in the region,” Sweidan said.