As this    Blog is being written, Israel is planning a massive excursion into Gaza, in retaliation for the slaughter of Israelis by HAMAS, the Gaza based terror organization. Many Palestinians will die, mostly innocent people.    But the need for Israeli retribution is great; more than that, the need for a Reckoning is greater. With insights honed on the Mafioso streets of old Brooklyn, this Blogger has a fairly decent idea of how to defeat criminal states, run by criminal spirits. First, one should try and separate the population base from the criminal leadership. How does one do that? By offering a deal. The Israelis should offer the Gaza population this promise: that it will not destroy Northern Gaza, if the hostages are released, en toto, and unharmed. Gaza residents in Southern Gaza can flee to Northern Gaza, north of Khan Younis ( see map) and be safe, IF the hostages are freed. South of Khan Younis, Gaza will be turned into Carthage; with salt plowed in...