Maybe OBL could care less about Afghanistan. He had what he needed out of that place, enough warriors and leaders trained that he could fall back into Pakistan and his followers would continue the cause throughout the world as he plans his next moves. He had to know we'd attack in force.

Eventually the Americans will get bored with Afghanistan anyway and leave behind a shaky government easily toppled by a few assassinations and attacks. It's not like that country will have any real resources other than poppies to build a stable society and economy. No matter how much money and energy we pour into that country, hard core Islam will still be the predominant culture. OBL has to figure it'll be easy to swing them back around from whatever advances we leave them with. Who's going to rise up, the women we've empowered? We'd better arm them well.

(Ok Tom, that scenario is not my hope, only a continuation of REB's brainstorming)