Fred Wieland's interest in other countries comes from his extensive travels.

"I've worked in 20 countries and visited about 60," said the retired Air Force major, who is helping to form a discussion group at the Aiken County Library that will concentrate on international events and foreign cultures.

Each year, the Foreign Policy Association urges the discussion of current international events through its Great Ideas Program. The organization publishes a study guide with essays to help the discussions.

This year's topics include South Africa, the Middle East, Mexico and war crimes.

"It's not so much politics but culture," Mr. Wieland said. "Other people learn more about themselves (through the discussions)."

The group will discuss world issues and how they relate to the United States, he said.

Mr. Wieland said the program has been offered to University of South Carolina Aiken students in the past.

"We're opening it up to the general public," he said.

Tentative plans are to hold the discussions on Sundays each March through May at the library.

Mr. Wieland said he hopes to keep the group small. A second group might be started if there is enough interest, he said.

Reach Charmain Z. Brackett at czbrackett@hotmail.com.