The article argues that the Federal Reserve's recent rate hike decision, while justifiable on inflation grounds, highlights a critical lack of an underlying, transparent policy framework. The core problem is that the Fed's decisions appear discretionary, leading to market uncertainty because the committee's judgment, rather than clear data, dictates policy shifts. The author proposes that the Fed adopt a formal monetary policy rule—an algebraic formula linking the target rate to indicators like inflation and unemployment—to replace subjective guidance. Implementing such a rule would provide market predictability, enhance transparency, and shield the Fed from political attacks by making deviations from the standard easily quantifiable.
A New Ebola Outbreak Spreads Through Conflict and a Weak U.S. Response
English Summary
The outbreak of a rare Ebola strain in the DRC and Uganda is critically hampered by a confluence of factors, including persistent regional conflict, deep public mistrust, and severe institutional weakness. The crisis is exacerbated by the withdrawal of crucial U.S. aid and expertise, which has depleted local capacity and undermined international coordination with the WHO. The article argues that successful containment cannot rely solely on medical intervention; it requires addressing the underlying political instability and rebuilding local trust. Policymakers must therefore prioritize sustained international cooperation and security stabilization alongside public health efforts to manage the crisis effectively.
中文摘要
在剛果民主共和國和烏干達爆發的罕見 Ebola 病毒株，其傳播受到多重因素的嚴重阻礙，包括持續的區域衝突、深層的公眾不信任，以及嚴重的制度薄弱。此次危機因美國關鍵援助和專業知識的撤離而加劇，這耗盡了地方能力，並削弱了與世界衛生組織（WHO）的國際協調。本文提出，成功的遏制不能僅依賴醫療干預；它必須同時解決潛在的政治不穩定性並重建地方信任。因此，政策制定者必須將持續的國際合作和安全穩定化，與公共衛生努力並重，才能有效管理此場危機。
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