>> when asked the same question, neither would the state department spokesman. >> left in afghanistan. they referred them to the -- >> well, we have been consistent in -- um -- >> not answering. >> -- in -- in explaining that in every country, americans register with the embassy. so it's a voluntary -- it's a voluntary thing. >> as for afghans, as you saw at the top, many are beyond desperation. one man who worked at the embassy for years got stuck for hours with his family in crowds near the airport. he waited with them for hours, fearing for their lives. their 2-year-old son growing dehydrated. i decided he said i would rather the taliban shoot me in the head to be stuck in that situation. it's hard to imagine this country or any country couldn't have done better for him and his family and so many others. more now on the attempt, now sadly necessary to salvage the situation. the talks with the taliban.