Oh Man!

Just what in hell is a 90-year old guy doing on a motorcycle anyway?

You may remember an unfortunate incident a couple of days ago where a Canadian soldier fired a warning shot at a motorcyclist who was getting too close for comfort. The round ricocheted, killing the rider. According to the CanWest News Service:


"Believed to be at least 90 years of age - making him one of Afghanistan's oldest citizens - Abdul Rahman was the president's former primary school teacher.

"He was the oldest member of Kandahar's provincial assembly and a noted political scientist.

"Rahman enjoyed paying the president impromptu visits, according to his brother-in-law, who spoke to CanWest News Service outside a crowded mosque where the dead man was being mourned yesterday.

"Rahman was famous for riding around Kandahar city on his battered motorcycle, despite his advanced age.

"He was apparently trying to drop in, unannounced, as Karzai directed a summit on security issues at the governor's palace when he was shot Tuesday afternoon.

"Rahman drove straight through an initial security cordon, travelling at "a high rate of speed," Canadian military officials said.

"It seems likely local police had recognized Rahman, and had allowed him to pass.

"He then approached a second barrier, closer to the palace, and continued forward despite verbal warnings.

"A Canadian soldier guarding the venue then fired a single warning shot. The bullet ricocheted off the pavement and struck Rahman, according to Canadian Lt.-Cmdr. Kris Phillips.

"It is not known when Karzai became aware his former teacher had died, and he has offered no public comment.

"But a military source said Canadian officials are now aware Rahman was "someone important."