HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) —Mehdi Noorbaksh, associate professor of international affairs and coordinator of general education at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, fulfills the daily obligations of his faith, including praying several times a day. He keeps a prayer rug in his office and bows to Mecca in prayer.

Twice a day, Mehdi Noorbaksh puts aside professional duties and turns to God. In the privacy of his office at Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, he unrolls a rug, bows in the direction of Mecca and prays. Like millions of Muslims, he prays five times a day, but more so during Ramadan Islam’s holy month.

DEVOTED—Mehdi Noorbaksh fulfills the daily obligations of his faith, including praying several times a day, in Harrisburg, Pa.

by Sarah DiLorenzo

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Fortune and fame may be just around the corner for Aliou Faye, who quit his job earlier this year to devote himself full time to becoming a champion wrestler. For now, though, he can only afford to eat meat twice a week.

FACE OFF—Senegalese traditional wrestler L’an 2000 (French for ‘The Year 2000’), left, faces off against his opponent Super Etoile (‘Super Star’) during a weekly wrestling match in Dakar, Senegal.

“In two years, you won’t recognize me,” said Faye, who is trying to bulk up despite his meager resources.

He is one of thousands of unemployed or underemployed men who flock to this West African country’s capital of Dakar to train in wrestling schools in the hopes of making it big. Those who succeed rake in tens of thousands of dollars every time they step in the ring.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP)—Singer Wyclef Jean submitted the paperwork Aug. 5 to run for president of Haiti, formally thrusting himself into what is expected to be a highly competitive race and ending years of speculation about his political ambitions.

Several hundred supporters of the hip-hop artist-turned-politician cheered as he arrived by motorcade in a dark suit and tie at an electoral office in this capital city still largely in ruins from the devastating Jan. 12 earthquake. Jean, who was born in Haiti but raised in Brooklyn, stood on top of an SUV and bowed to the crowd. He was accompanied by his wife and daughter.

GREETED BY SUPPORTERS—Haitian-born singer Wyclef Jean, center, is greeted by supporters after submitting the paperwork to run for president of Haiti in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Aug. 5.

by Tshego Letshwiti

JOHANNESBURG (AP) —Nelson Mandela’s grandchildren underwent a harrowing ordeal with gunmen following the South African icon’s 92nd birthday party, but no one was hurt and the attackers fled after an exchange of gunfire, police said July 22.

Police spokesman Govindsamy Mariemuthoo said the grandchildren were returning to their Johannesburg home following the family birthday party July 18 when two gunmen approached their car. They ordered the occupants to lie down near the entrance to the home of Mandela’s daughter Zindzi.