Dr. Gary Guertner, former dean of the College of International and Security Studies at the George Marshall Center for European Security Studies in Garmisch, Germany from 1998-2003, will be the keynote speaker at the 9 a.m., Wed., Jan. 30, 2013 Tucson Area Kick Off Breakfast for Great Decisions slated for El Parador Restaurant, 2744 E. Broadway Blvd.

Great Decisions is a non-partisan, non-political organization that holds discussions of current global concerns. For registration information, check www.tgda.org or e-mail info@tgda.org. While each session is part of a free series, each session can stand alone. A briefing book costs $20, but is not mandatory for participation.

The eight 2013 topics include “Imperfect Union – The Eurozone in Crisis,” “Power to the People – The New Egypt” and “Joint Strike – NATO and the U.S. in the 21st Century,” “The Generals and the Democrat – Myanmar in Transition.” Other topics include “The Intervention Calculation,” “Red Line: Iran, Israel and the Bomb,” “Feeding the Dragon – China in Africa and Sacred Cow – Defending America on a Budget.”

Cost of the breakfast is $18 per person before Jan. 23, $20 after that date. Checks may be mailed to TGDA, P.O. Box 42286, Tucson, AZ 85733-228. This meeting and others are open to the public. General meetings are free.

Info: www.tgda.org or email info@tgda.org. The online registration form says you get a discount if you carpool with 2 or more people. Dr. Guethner’s topic for the brunch is “NATO and Iran: Crises Points for 2013?”