UN defers decision on whether to use force in Mali

07/05/12: BBC News reports the UN Security Council says is not ready to back a West African intervention force in northern Mali, which has been seized by Islamist militant groups.  The Council condemned the destruction of ancient shrines in the historic city of Timbuktu, saying it could constitute a war crime.  The West African bloc, Ecowas, wants to send 3,000 troops to Mali, but a UN diplomat says the Council wants more details.  “Before endorsing an Ecowas force, we would need a clearer plan, more information about what the objectives are, and more evidence that such a force would have a reasonable chance of meeting those objectives,” he said.