Prior to launching air strikes against Libya, U.S. officials debated carrying out a cyber attack against Col. Muammar Gaddafi’s air-defense system. According to the New York Times, the goal of the computer-based assault would have been to break the Libyan government’s computer networks, to sever military communications links, and to disable Libya’s early warning radar system. The Obama administration reportedly opted not to employ the strategy out of fear it would set a dangerous precedent and could result in similar attacks being carried out by Russia or China. The administration was also concerned that the attack could not be mounted in time.