Today's best photos: from praying for rain to remembering Desmond Tutu

'The National' selects the most striking pictures from around the world

Afghans pray for rainfall as a drought has added misery to the already fragile economy of the country, in Kandahar, Afghanistan. EPA

Praying for rain

EPA

Afghans in Kandahar pray for rain amid a drought that has added misery to an already fragile economy

Gloves up

Reuters

Bushra Abdul Zahra, 36, an Iraqi boxer and karateka, poses for the camera at a gym in Najaf.

Santas on wheels

AP Photo

Bikers travel to a children's hospital to deliver toys in Belgrade, Serbia.

Remembering the tsunami victims

AFP

Women perform rituals during a ceremony for the victims of the 2004 tsunami at Pattinapakkam Beach in Chennai, India.

Decking the halls

AP Photo

Workers install lights on a tree for the New Year festive season on a shopping street in Beijing.

Lizard love

A man hugs his monitor lizard during garden party at the Somtum Khun Daeng restaurant and cafe in Bangkok, Thailand.

Mourning an anti-apartheid veteran

AFP

Flowers are seen next to a portrait of South African anti-apartheid activist Desmond Tutu outside St. George's Cathedral in Cape Town.