The story: Baghdad is pushing to end the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), citing improved security conditions and stability. Informed observers privately charge that the Iraqi government wants an end to criticism before the UN Security Council. At the same time, given the dominance of armed political actors, critics are warning that terminating the UN mission would limit international oversight and thus put the fragile stability in the country at risk.

The coverage: Iraqi government spokesperson Basim Al-Awadi on May 12 said a formal request has been submitted to the UN Security Council to...