...and this is just what I've read here:

We trained the Muhajadeen. (sp?)

Osama had his own group, which wasn't doing so well, and wasn't really associated with the Muhajadeen.

The Soviets got tired of losing soldiers and pulled out of Afghanistan. (similar to what happened in the U.S. Independance war with England - it wasn't that they were losing battles, it's just that the other side wouldn't STAY down after getting hit.)

The Muhajadeen basically went ape and pillaged the countryside.

The Taliban, with some backing from Al Quaeda and OBL kick the Muhajadeen out of power.

And then 9/11/2001 happens...