But Richard Butler indicated that the move could be nothing more than an empty maneuver.

CNN: U.S. 'skeptical' of Iraq weapons inspection offer

Others, this time in the West, are asking whether responsibility to protect will ever be more than an empty slogan.

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They work their entire career chasing some illusive form of fulfillment only to fade into the sunset with nothing more than an empty lifetime of regrets as their reward.

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Opponents of the Palestinian bid argue that it is a unilateral action that will undermine attempts to negotiate a two state solution, and that it could be little more than an empty gesture even if it succeeded, since it will hardly charge the lives of Palestinians.

BBC: What does Abbas hope to achieve with UN state bid?

There are few things in life as thought provoking as witnessing what by all outward appearances seems to be a successful executive, but as you begin to peel back the layers of their carefully crafted veneer, you quickly come to realize that they are little more than an empty, bitter, and frustrated person.

FORBES: The True Test of Leadership

The IRS says it is little more than an avenue for owners of an empty corporate shell to avoid paying taxes.

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Still, there is more opportunity in an empty Newark street to loot and rob than there was in the streets of London during recent riots there and yet we see nothing even close to that in New Jersey in the wake of Irene, though obviously more will come to light as damage is assessed and the storm moves further north.

FORBES: Crime in the Wake of Hurricane Irene

For trips lasting more than three nights, a couple can save 40 to 60 percent booking an empty apartment or a condo with a kitchen, instead of a hotel room.

FORBES: 6 Money-Saving Travel Secrets

Camden has proposed charging an extra 50% if homes are left empty for more than two years, and replacing the 12 month-exemption on empty, uninhabitable properties with a discount of 25%.

BBC: council tax bill