A senior U.S. diplomat has sparked a storm of criticism in Lebanon after telling local journalists to "act civilized" and not "animalistic." The remarks, widely condemned as insulting, have led to calls for a public apology and reignited debate about Washington's attitude toward the Middle East.

BEIRUT: US Special Envoy Thomas Barrack sparked outrage Tuesday after telling Lebanese journalists to “act civilized” and avoid behaving in an “animalistic” manner during a press…

Reporters demand apology from Tom Barrack, US special envoy to Syria, after his remarks at Beirut press conference