The Obama administration's plan to create a new Pentagon cybercommand as a way to organize and protect the nation's military computer networks and engage in offensive strategies is raising privacy and diplomatic concerns.

The New York Times reported last week that President Obama has pledged to ensure the new cybercommand will not violate civil liberties, but said this may be hard to guarantee. Citing senior Pentagon and military officials, the newspaper said much of the new military command's work is expected to be carried out by the National Security Agency.

They said there is no way for the agency to effectively conduct computer operations without entering networks inside the United States, where the military is prohibited from operating.

They also warned that the NSA could end up on electronic routes through countries that are not American targets. The dilemma, according to one expert, is drawing the line between an unacceptable intrusion and the legitimate actions needed in the face of a real or potential cyber attack.

For more on the Pentagon's dilemma:
- see this New York Times article