Mali says it will draw up a plan for military action by the end of this year to recapture the north from radical Islamists. Malian forces are expected to be supported by troops from African nations, mainly the west African bloc, Ecowas. French and US officials are meeting this week in Paris to discuss how they can help an African-led intervention in northern Mali. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, explains what the US hopes will happen.
