Three years ago, it seemed as if the American withdrawal from Iraq might resemble the chaotic scenes that accompanied the fall of Saigon. That's one reason why I spent months looking into the possible fate of Iraqis working for the U.S. there—because there wasn't any plan for them in the event of an American evacuation.

By the end of August, all U.S. combat brigades will be out of Iraq. The good news is that there won't be any frantic helo-lifts from a Green Zone landing pad. Tens of...