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Unprecedented Insult at the Presidential Palace: The American Envoy Labels Journalists as "Animals"
Lebanon witnessed an unprecedented incident, described as a breach of diplomatic norms and a direct insult to the Lebanese press, following sharp and shocking remarks made by the American envoy, Tom Barrack, today Tuesday, from the podium of the Presidential Palace in Baabda.
During an attempt by journalists to ask him questions after his meeting with Lebanese officials, Barrack, in an angry and inappropriate voice, said: "We will set a different set of rules here, right? I want you to be quiet for a moment." He then added, with a wave of provocation: “The moment things turn chaotic or animalistic, we will end everything,” a comment that sparked widespread discontent, especially due to his use of the phrase “animalistic behavior,” which was seen as a direct and unacceptable insult to the Lebanese media body, which was fulfilling its duty as usual.
The incident did not pass without reactions, as the Lebanese Journalists Syndicate issued a strongly-worded statement condemning the behavior, describing it as "a breach of manners and diplomacy," considering that this statement constitutes an insult to the dignity of journalists. The syndicate demanded that the American envoy and the U.S. State Department issue an official and public apology statement. It also warned that it might be compelled to take escalatory steps, including calling for a boycott of the American envoy’s future visits and dealings, affirming that "the dignity of journalism and journalists in Lebanon is not cheap."
For its part, the Lebanese presidency had to intervene, issuing a statement expressing regret "for the words spoken in error from its platform" by one of its guests. The presidency reaffirmed its full support and appreciation for journalists and their efforts, in an attempt to contain the repercussions of the incident and calm the situation.
This incident occurs at a time when Barrack’s visit was marked by complex political files, adding new tension to a Lebanese arena suffering from consecutive crises. According to observers, it revealed an elitist attitude in dealing with Lebanon and its press, which many considered a diplomatic and moral fall for the American envoy.
