Making Torture American Again, With Help From Hollywood
Kasia Anderson | truthdig.com | 2019-09-23
Regardless of their take on the volatile topic of torture, there appears to be rare agreement among an array of experts, activists, proponents and critics about one of the most reliable ways it has been successfully defended in recent decades. The so-called ticking time bomb scenario has done the trick so often and so well–for leaders of countries, militaries, small armies of Hollywood producers–that it has taken on the enticing shine of a particularly hot political commodity: the foregone conclusion disguised as a given. | The scenario lays out the premise that if a man-made catastrophe were about to…
truthdig.com/articles/making-torture-american-again-with-help-from-hollywood/

Afghanistan's Taliban Meet Chinese Officials in Beijing
telesurenglish.net | 2019-09-23
A Taliban delegation met Sunday with China's Special Representative for Afghanistan in Beijing to discuss the group's peace talks with the United States, a spokesman for the Islamist insurgency said. | RELATED: | US Drone Strike 'Accidentally' Kills 30 Afghan Farmers | The meeting comes after U.S. President Donald Trump's 11th-hour cancellation earlier this month…
telesurenglish.net/news/Afghanistan-Taliban-Meet-Chinese-Officials-in-Beijing-20190923-0012.html

UN's Guterres Announces Syria Constitutional Committee
telesurenglish.net | 2019-09-23
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced on Monday the formation of a constitutional committee for Syria, a long-awaited step in a stalled peace process. | "It will be facilitated by the United Nations in Geneva," Guterres told reporters, adding that it would be convened in the coming weeks. The United Nations sees the committee as a next step in efforts to find a political solution to end the more than eight-year war in Syria. | "I strongly believe that the launch of the Syrian-owned and Syrian-led constitutional committee can and must be the beginning of the political path out of the trag…
telesurenglish.net/news/UNs-Guterres-Announces-Syria-Constitutional-Committee-20190923-0001.html

UN chief announces progress on committee to shape Syria's political future
United Nations | un.org | 2019-09-23
UN-led discussions to secure a peaceful future for the people of Syria have resulted in agreement by the country's Government and opposition representatives to the formation of a new Constitutional Committee in a bid to end the "tragedy" of more than eight years of fighting, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced on Monday.
news.un.org/feed/view/en/story/2019/09/1047092

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Called Warmonger in Town Hall
telesurenglish.net | 2019-09-23
A town hall organized in Toronto, Canada by the National Council of Canadian Muslims with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland ended abruptly Sunday after protesters repeatedly called her "warmonger," and made the event impossible to continue. | RELATED: | Canada: PM Justin Trudeau Starts Re-Election Campaign | "If you're for democracy, why do you condone the sale of weapons of mass destruction to Saudi Arabia," said one unidentified man. "Why are you waging economic war…
telesurenglish.net/news/Protesters-Cut-Short-Canadian-Foreign-Affairs-Minister-Town-Hall-20190923-0011.html

Trump-Modi lovefest in Houston underscores Indo-US alliance of war and reaction
wsws.org | 2019-09-23
By taking a starring role at Modi's Houston rally Sunday, Trump put Washington's support for India's brutal assault on Jammu and Kashmir on full display.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/09/23/trmo-s23.html

Millions march against climate change, capitalism and war
Eds. | mronline.org | 2019-09-23
Four million people participated in the global climate strike across every continent on Friday, many of them students who skipped school on that day. Demonstrations at more than 5,800 locations in 161 countries began in Australia and the Pacific, moved to Asia, Antarctica, Africa and Europe, and then to North and South America. This is […] | Source…
mronline.org/2019/09/23/millions-march-against-climate-change-capitalism-and-war/

The collapse of the East Asian order
John Feffer | nationofchange.org | 2019-09-23
The United States is losing its status as a Pacific power. It can no longer control developments in East Asia. It still maintains a large military footprint in the region. But that military presence no longer translates into an ability to achieve the outcomes that Washington wants. | For better or worse,…
nationofchange.org/2019/09/23/the-collapse-of-the-east-asian-order/

The Modern Day Scramble for Africa
Staff | therealnews.com | 2019-09-23
From the US to China to Israel to Russia, governments are positioning resources — both civilian and military — in various African nations for various reasons. Jacqueline Luqman talks to Maurice Carney about who are the players on the continent, what do they want, what does this mean for the future of Africa and Africans,…
therealnews.com/stories/the-modern-day-scramble-for-africa

Uruguay to Leave TIAR If War Approved Against Venezuela
telesurenglish.net | 2019-09-23
Uruguay will withdraw from the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance (TIAR) if its members approve military intervention against Venezuela, Foreign Affairs Minister Rodolfo Nin Novoa told La Republica Monday. | RELATED: | China Rejects TIAR Activation Against Venezuela | The diplomat reiterated that the countries that are pushing for this option "ignore the intrinsic value" of the treaty, which is the "defense of the member countries against external aggression," adding his country w…
telesurenglish.net/news/Uruguay-to-Leave-TIAR-If-Military-Intervention-Approved-Against-Venezuela-20190923-0010.html

Donald Trump's Plan for Winning the China Trade War: Lying
Staff | truthout.org | 2019-09-23
| Donald Trump's trade war with China is by far the main threat to the U.S. economy at the moment. While fears of a recession are overblown, if not for the trade war, no one would even be talking about a recession right now. | There is no doubt that Trump's trade war is slowing growth and costing the U.S. economy jobs. The problem is more than just his tariffs and China's retaliation. | Tariffs are taxes, and they slow the economy in the same way as other taxes do. They are effectively a consumption tax tha…
truthout.org/articles/donald-trumps-plan-for-winning-the-china-trade-war-lying/

Canada's Role in US Empire
Yves Engler | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-09-23
While France, Germany, Russia and China seek detente, Canada is increasingly part of the US-Saudi Arabia-Israeli axis stoking conflict with Iran. Canada recently seized and sold $30 million worth of Iranian properties in Ottawa and Toronto to compensate individuals in the US who had family members killed in a 2002 Hamas bombing in Israel and …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/09/canadas-role-in-us-empire/

America Confronts Iran: History of US-Iran Relations and the Rule of Law
Courtenay Barnett | globalresearch.ca | 2019-09-23
It is said that maybe Iran was behind a recent attack on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities. | The Iranian Government denies that any attack was launched from Iranian territory. | Houthi rebels in Yemen have claimed responsibility for the attack; other accusations | …
globalresearch.ca/what-law-who-breached-us-iran-west/5689912

Germany, UK, France Blame Iran for Saudi Attack
telesurenglish.net | 2019-09-23
Britain, Germany, and France backed the United States Monday by blaming Iran for the attack on Saudi oil facilities, urging Tehran to agree to new talks on its nuclear and missile programs. | RELATED: | No Intention of Meeting Iran's Rouhani at UN Assembly: Trump | "It is clear to us that Iran bears responsibility for this attack. There is no other plausible explanation. We support ongoing investigations to establish further details," Britain, France, and Germany said in a joint sta…
telesurenglish.net/news/Germany-UK-France-Blame-Iran-for-Saudi-Attack-Urge-New-Nuclear-Deal-20190923-0013.html

How Holes in the Burning Saudi Oil Fields Narrative Could Draw the US Into a War With Iran
Mnar Muhawesh | mintpressnews.com | 2019-09-23
It is inconceivable to the United States that a "rag-tag" force like Yemen's Houthis might, with home-made weapons, outdo the hundred-billion-dollar might and sophistication of the state-of-the-art systems Washington has lavished upon the Saudis.
mintpressnews.com/holes-us-burning-saudi-oil-fields-narrative-spark-war-iran/261998/

Iran Has Called Washington's Bluff
Bob Dreyfuss | thenation.com | 2019-09-23
Iran Has Called Washington's Bluff…
thenation.com/article/war-iran-sanctions-un/

The War That Could Change the World
Gary D. Barnett | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-09-23
It is tempting to say that war with Iran is inevitable, and that may certainly be so, but this terrible situation has become a political and media game. A deadly game to be sure, but a game nonetheless. The people who cling to the notion that they have "leaders" to protect them are little more …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/09/the-war-that-could-change-the-world/

Erdogan & Trump, Iran and Saudi Arabia, Turkish military operations in Northern Iraq
unitedEditor | uwidata.com | 2019-09-23
Erdogan — Trump Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with his American counterpart Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ongoing geopolitical problems. Turkey and the US had previously come to an agreement on the creation of a safe zone in the Syrian north-east along the border with Turkey. Despite recent …
uwidata.com/5424-erdogan-trump-iran-and-saudi-arabia-turkish-military-operations-in-northern-iraq/

Impeachment Talks Get Louder Over Trump's Ukraine Call
telesurenglish.net | 2019-09-23
President Donald Trump admitted discussing his corruption accusations against Former VP Joe Biden and his son with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the telephone, as many continue to pressure for an impeachment, The New York Times reports. | RELATED | No Intention of Meeting Iran's Rouhani at UN Assembly: Trump | Vice Media outlet said Trump's statements come after days of news and allegations that he applied pressure on the Ukrainian leader to investigate Joe Biden, one o…
telesurenglish.net/news/Impeachment-talks-over-Trump-Ukraine-call-20190923-0006.html

Was Iran Really Behind the Attack on Saudi Aramco Facilities?
Omar Ahmed | globalresearch.ca | 2019-09-23
On 14 September, state-owned Saudi Aramco's oil processing facilities at Abqaiq and Khurais in the Eastern Province were the target of a sophisticated drone and cruise missile attack. The Houthis of Yemen were quick to claim responsibility for "Operation Deterrent …
globalresearch.ca/was-iran-really-behind-attack-saudi-aramco-facilities/5689890

The Deep State Is Dragging Trump into War with Iran
Robert Bridge | globalresearch.ca | 2019-09-23
Should we chalk it up to coincidence theory that just days after Trump gives John Bolton the boot as his National Security Adviser, Iran is blamed for an attack on a Saudi oil facility, forcing Washington to forego any hope …
globalresearch.ca/deep-state-dragging-trump-war-iran/5689899

A Careless Bully at the KFC at the End of Empire
Phil Rockstroh | counterpunch.org | 2019-09-23
Will Trump go to war with the Iranians or the homeless? Or both? Trump is a coward. The nation of Iran has the means and the will to fight. Do you recall the will displayed by Iranians when repelling foreign invaders when Iraq attempted to invade Iran as a de facto US proxy force? Conversely,…
counterpunch.org/2019/09/23/a-careless-bully-at-the-kfc-at-the-end-of-empire/

Ending the Afghan War Won't End the Killing
Staff | truthdig.com | 2019-09-23
A major legacy of the U.S. war on terror in Afghanistan, which began in October 2001 and shows little sign of actually ending anytime soon.
truthdig.com/articles/ending-the-afghan-war-wont-end-the-killing/

Joe Biden: A familiar face, a deeply reactionary record
wsws.org | 2019-09-23
Obama's vice president for two terms, Biden is identified with some of the worst crimes of the American government over the past 50 years, including wars in the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya.
www.wsws.org/en/articles/2019/09/23/bide-s23.html

And in Those Days There was No King in Israhell
Amitai Ben-Abba | counterpunch.org | 2019-09-23
Non-Israeli friends have been asking me what the hell is going on with the 2019 Israeli elections round 2; I decided to write it all up and break it down for ya: Bibi Netanyahu, our eternal PM, aka The Magician, aka Sabotage Angel, aka Blind Goat, has run out of tricks. Where are the tricks?
counterpunch.org/2019/09/23/and-in-those-days-there-was-no-king-in-israhell/

Netanyahu, the Joint List and a History of demonising Palestinian Voters
Jonathan Cook | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-09-23
Israel's re-run election last week revealed the bitter struggles within the Israeli right for dominance, between a coalition of religious and settler parties led by Benjamin Netanyahu and their opponents in the secular Blue and White party of army generals. The two sides pegged almost level, suggesting that Israel could face yet more deadlock after …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/09/netanyahu-the-joint-list-and-a-history-of-demonising-palestinian-voters/

5 Things Progressives Need to Know About the Israeli Elections
Hannah Pollin-Galay | thenation.com | 2019-09-23
's inconclusive election presents progressives with an opportunity.
thenation.com/article/israel-elections-progressives/

Israeli Military's 'Friends' Tweet Backfires, Exposing the Horrors of Occupation
Emma Fiala | theantimedia.com | 2019-09-23
Twitter users, both friends and foes alike, were quick to point out that the tweet was less than tasteful.

Israeli Military's ‘Friends’ Tweet Backfires, Exposing the Horrors of Occupation

Has Russia "Stopped Israel" from Bombing Syria? Has Moscow Authorized Syria to Use the S-300 Air Defense System
Andrew Korybko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-09-23
The Alt-Media Community has been in a state of ecstasy over reports that Russia has supposedly stopped several " Israeli" strikes in Syria and also finally given the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) the authority to use the S-300s. …
globalresearch.ca/recent-fake-news-about-russia-israel/5689917

Netanyahu Rejoices as 3 Arab Leaders Retract Gantz Endorsements
telesurenglish.net | 2019-09-23
Benjamin Netanyahu went ahead of Benny Gantz by one recommendation Monday after three Israeli-Palestinian politicians abstained from endorsing Gantz. | RELATED: | Israel: Arab Parties Emerge as Key Brokers in Forming New Gov't | The Joint List, an alliance of Palestinian-Israeli parties announced Sunday they would endorse Blue and White's Gantz. | The Joint List won 13 sears in Tuesday making it Knesset's third-largest bloc. Their support gave Gantz 57 recommendations. However,…
telesurenglish.net/news/Netanyahu-Rejoices-as-3-Arab-Leaders-Retract-Gantz-Endorsements-20190923-0004.html

Russia's Vision for the Emerging Multipolar World Order. Lavrov
Andrew Korybko | globalresearch.ca | 2019-09-23
The Russian Foreign Minister's latest article provides the most up-to-date information on his country's interpretation of International Relations straight from its top diplomat himself, which includes numerous critiques of the fading US-led unipolar world order and several envisioned goals that …
globalresearch.ca/lavrov-elaborated-russia-vision-emerging-multipolar-world-order/5689957

Why Are House Democrats Afraid to Wield Their Subpoena Power?
Jeff Hauser, Max Moran | commondreams.org | 2019-09-23
From left, House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff, D-Calf., Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., conduct a news conference on the testimony of former special counsel Robert Mueller on his investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election on Wednesday, July 24, 2019. (Photo: Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call) | www.commondreams.org/sites/default/files/styles/cd_special_coverage/public/views-article/thumbs/democrats_subpoena_trump.jpg …
commondreams.org/views/2019/09/23/why-are-house-democrats-afraid-wield-their-subpoena-power?cd-origin=rss

Russia Slams US General for Plan to Destroy Russia's Air Defenses
Jason Ditz | globalresearch.ca | 2019-09-23
It goes without saying that the US and Russia both have many, many plans to attack one another. Generally speaking, however, it's been treated as bad form to bring them up, and worse form to brag about them. | So Russia …
globalresearch.ca/russia-slams-us-general-plan-destroy-russia-air-defenses/5689943

A Half-Decade Late, New York Post Admits is ISIS Run by NATO Member Turkey
Tyler Durden | theantimedia.com | 2019-09-23
Many ISIS terrorists have simply donned a new uniform and joined Turkish-backed rebels to engage in "ethnic cleansing" of Syrian Kurds.

A Half-Decade Late, New York Post Admits is ISIS Run by NATO Member Turkey

See "Official Secrets"
Manuel García, Jr. | counterpunch.org | 2019-09-23
The movie "Official Secrets," which is just out, is about Katharine Teresa Gun, the British translator in the U.K. government's equivalent to the U.S.'s NSA, who leaked a top secret memo in an effort to prevent the Iraq War (in which up to 1 million Iraqis and over 35 thousand U.S. and U.K soldiers died,…
counterpunch.org/2019/09/23/see-official-secrets/

Canadian Media Attacks Labour Leader for Syria Solidarity
Dave McKee | globalresearch.ca | 2019-09-23
One hundred trade union delegations from around the world gathered in Damascus on September 8-9, for the Third International Trade Union Forum in Solidarity with Syrian Workers. The purpose of the meeting was to build opposition to imperialist intervention against …
globalresearch.ca/canadian-media-attacks-labour-leader-syria-solidarity/5689974

Saudis Pound Yemen After Houthis' Truce Offer
Jason Ditz | theantimedia.com | 2019-09-23
Days after the Houthis' truce offer, at least 27 Saudi airstrikes were reported against targets in northern Yemen in just the last 24 hours.

Saudis Pound Yemen After Houthis’ Truce Offer

Zapatistas Summon 'II International Meeting of Women Who Fight'
telesurenglish.net | 2019-09-22
Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) women in southern Mexico have published Friday a statement to summon the II International Meeting of Women Who Fight which is set to take place from Dec. 26 to 29 in Chiapas. | RELATED: | Thousands Gather in the Rain in Madrid to Protest Femicides | The woman's branch of the EZLN reiterated in their letter add…
telesurenglish.net/news/Zapatistas-Call-II-International-Meeting-of-Women-who-Fight–20190922-0017.html

Didn't he learn what deterrence is? Cruz insists Iran wants to nuke American cities, puzzles Twitter
rt.com | 2019-09-22
Ted Cruz insists Tehran's dream is to nuke American cities and that the Iran nuclear deal is to blame for the attack on Saudi oil facilities. The argument was mocked for making no sense, but the hawkish senator doubled down. | The Texas legislator, one of the most vocal cheerleaders of Donald Trump's "maximum pressure" campaign against Tehran, took to the pages of the New York Post on Friday to warn the public of the imminent danger. More international sanctions against Iran may soon be dropped under the 2015 nuclear deal, which means Tehran is drawing closer to obtaining nuclear weapons which "could incinerat…
rt.com/usa/469367-ted-cruz-iran-bomb-us-cities/

Yemeni children considered covering themselves in oil? Lee Camp bashes US reactions to Saudi refinery attacks & Yemen bombings
rt.com | 2019-09-22
Washington and Riyadh were quick to blame Tehran for attacks on Saudi oil facilities. Despite the lack of proof and history of lies told by the accusers, the US media eagerly took their claims at face value, Lee Camp says. | Last weekend's attacks were claimed by the Yemeni Houthi rebels, but the US and Saudi Arabia accused Iran instead, providing the charred remains of supposed Iranian weaponry and vague allegations as proof. | Despite painting Donald Trump as a habitual liar for years, his accusations against Iran appear to be A-OK for the mainstream media, the host of comedy show Redacted Tonight said. The…
rt.com/usa/469369-redacted-tonight-saudi-oil-attack-media/

No Intention of Meeting Iran's Rouhani at UN Assembly: Trump
telesurenglish.net | 2019-09-22
United States President Donald Trump said Sunday that he has no intention of meeting with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani during the United Nations General Assembly after rising tensions between both countries continue due to the attack on Saudi Arabia's oil company last week, which Riyadh attributes to Tehran. | RELATED: | Iran to Present Regional Security Cooperation Plan at UNGA | "Nothing is ruled out, but I have no intention of meeting with Iran," Trump told reporters at the White House be…
telesurenglish.net/news/No-Intention-of-Meeting-Iran-Rouhani-at-UN-Assembly-Trump-20190922-0012.html

US troops in Saudi Arabia defend hegemony, not security
Aaron Maté | thegrayzone.com | 2019-09-22
The Trump administration is sending US troops to Saudi Arabia as it continues to threaten Iran. Col. Lawrence Wilkerson, former…
thegrayzone.com/2019/09/22/us-troops-in-saudi-arabia-to-defend-hegemony-not-security/

Firing Bolton: Bait and Switch or Changing Tack?
Tony Cartalucci | globalresearch.ca | 2019-09-22
News of US National Security Adviser John Bolton's departure was followed by hopeful commentary both within the US and abroad that so too would follow the aggressive foreign policy he advocated — particularly in regards to Iran. | However, …
globalresearch.ca/firing-bolton/5689842

FIFA President Urges Italian Football to React Against Racism
telesurenglish.net | 2019-09-22
FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged authorities to hand out stadium bans for supporters guilty of racism after another incident in a Serie A match between Atalanta and Fiorentina Sunday. | RELATED: | Rights Group Accuses FIFA of Ignoring Israeli Ban on Palestinian Footballers From Gaza | "Racism is combatted with education, condemnation, and discussion," said the FIFA chief, who was a guest on a program aired by Italian state broadcaster Rai. | This c…
telesurenglish.net/news/FIFA-President-Urges-Italian-Football-to-React-Against-Racism-20190922-0016.html

Philippines: Resist and end Duterte's fascist regime
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-09-22
Fight Back News Service is circulating the following Sept. 20 statement from the Communist Party of the Philippines. | Almost five decades ago, Ferdinand Marcos placed the entire country under martial law which launched his brutal dictatorial rule. For 14 years, the Filipino people resisted valiantly and fought on all arenas of struggle. Serving as the strongest bulwark of anti-fascist resistance, the Party and the New People's Army waged underground and armed struggle, inspiring and militating the Filipino people to unite and struggle for democracy. Culminating long years of anti-fascist resistance, the Filipino…
www.fightbacknews.org/2019/9/22/philippines-resist-and-end-duterte-s-fascist-regime

Johnson must answer newspaper claims: Labour
The Canary | thecanary.co | 2019-09-22
A Labour MP wants Prime Minister Boris Johnson to explain newspaper allegations that he failed to declare potential conflicts of interest while London mayor in relation to the allocation of public money to an American woman. | The Sunday Times reports the potential conflicts arose through Mr Johnson's association with model-turned technology entrepreneur Jennifer Arcuri, who moved to London seven years ago. | The paper says Ms Arcuri was given £126,000 in public money and was afforded privileged access to three foreign trade missions Mr Johnson led. | Jon Trickett, Labour's Shadow Minister for the Cabinet O…
thecanary.co/breaking-news/2019/09/22/johnson-must-answer-newspaper-claims-labour/

Biloela family exposes hypocrisy of Australia's policy on Tamil refugees
Fred_F | greenleft.org.au | 2019-09-22
Tamil refugees Barathan VidhyapathyIssue 1239 Australia Biloela Sri Lanka MelbourneSeptember 22, 2019The following speech was given…
greenleft.org.au/content/biloela-family-exposes-hypocrisy-australia-policy-tamil-refugee

New York activists demand: Never again to martial law in the Philippines
Fight Back | fightbacknews.org | 2019-09-21
New York, NY – 25 people gathered September 20 at noon in front of the Consulate General of the Philippines in New York City to commemorate the 47th anniversary of martial law in the Philippines under the regime of late dictator Ferdinand Marcos. The action was called by BAYAN USA NorthEast, to say, "Never again to martial law," and to call attention to the continuation of state repression in the Philippines under the current, U.S.-backed Duterte regime. | Rodrigo Duterte's so called "war on drugs" has led to the killings, torture and imprisonment of many Filipino activists and human rights defenders, just like…
www.fightbacknews.org/2019/9/21/new-york-activists-demand-never-again-martial-law-philippines

Will Qatar become an Arab Superpower?
unitedEditor | uwidata.com | 2019-09-21
The Qatar crisis was initially considered a minor ideological conflict between the Muslim Brotherhood and Wahhabist Islam; however, it has since evolved into a large-scale strategic battle due to the inexperience and naivety of Saudi rulers. If the current trend continues, the crisis could profoundly alter the fates of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the entire …
uwidata.com/5412-will-qatar-become-an-arab-superpower/

A Careless Bully at the KFC at the End of Empire
Phil Rockstroh | dissidentvoice.org | 2019-09-21
Will Trump go to war with the Iranians or the homeless? Or both? Trump is a coward. The nation of Iran has the means and the will to fight. Do you recall the will displayed by Iranians when repelling foreign invaders when Iraq attempted to invade Iran as a de facto US proxy force? Conversely, …
dissidentvoice.org/2019/09/a-careless-bully-at-the-kfc-at-the-end-of-empire/