Jim Geraghty of Türkiye’de Konumun Sütunu (TKS) is trying trying to figure out how to deal with America-bashers when he goes to Turkey. I don’t have any great advice. Besides, my one extended stay abroad was in Prague in the early 90s, and it wasn’t that extended. Most of the anti-Americans I met were, uh, Americans. And that requires a whole different social etiquette.

(If I remember it right) I did like the line the French ambassador used on John Miller at the Fox green room when he learned that John had co-written an anti-French book: “We have much to discuss.”

This could serve well in situations where politeness is required but time is short. It establishes that you disagree with the person without sounding too condescending. It also suggests that you might be open to give-and-take while at the same time upholding the reality that the guy is flat-out wrong.

Of course, this all depends on what the person says. But my guess is Jim will be travelling in fairly polite elite circles. Even if not, I’ve been to Instanbul — I went there by train from Prague (remind me to tell you that story) — and I found the people incredibly gracious and friendly.

I do think that Hugh Hewitt’s suggestion that Jim bring some extra copies of a pro-America book is a good one. But it might be more practical to bring something shorter, like an extended article which he can make copies of. Not sure what that article would be though. If you have ideas, tell Jim.