13 Guardian Why Israel is wrong about Iran Meir Javedanfar 25 June 2011 -- Israel's former intelligence chief, Meir Dagan, has been subjected to a firestorm of criticism — from the Israeli government as well as sections of the media — since he stated that attacking Iran's nuclear installations would be "a stupid idea". So strong has been the reaction that the prime minister's office even asked him to return his diplomatic passport. What seems to be bothering some Israelis, including Ari Shavit, the respected Haaretz journalist, is that Dagan has now "made the Iranians think they can continue galloping to the bomb because they are not in any real danger". This claim, though, is a clear example of where some in Israel are getting it wrong with regard to Iran and what the Iranian leadership perceives as serious threats. Israel has to realise that the Tehran regime is more petrified by what is happening to its economy and among its own population than by the possibility of a military attack from Israel. When it comes to using violence, this regime has had 32 years of experience. It can cope. However, the regime is so frightened of its own population that it breaks up silent demonstrations. It panicked when the shooting of Neda Agha Soltan was filmed and broadcast to the world. It even went as far as to temporarily ban books by Paulo Coelho — simply because his editor in Iran, Arash Hejazi, was seen trying to save Neda's life. Dagan could be wrong in his assessment but, even if he is right, it does not mean that cessation of a military threat from Israel would induce the Iranian government to "gallop ahead" towards the bomb without any concern. The biggest reason why Iran's supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, has agreed to talks during the last few years is not the HOUSE_OVERSIGHT_032183