> Mr. Obama started off by saying the government could not protect against terrorists and cyber threats without penetrating foreign networks — and protecting against them.
By the logic that arrives to this conclusion, the government can not protect against terrorists and cyber threats without penetrating domestic networks either.
To an approximate degree, yes, except that penetration of domestic networks would not be necessary, merely the normal legal processes from CALEA, MOUs with telecom companies, etc.
The government already does this kind of stuff, only through the FBI instead of the NSA.
You would "penetrate" a foreign network when there is no ability to expect cooperation and no ability to compel.
By the logic that arrives to this conclusion, the government can not protect against terrorists and cyber threats without penetrating domestic networks either.