By LALIT K JHA/ THE IRRAWADDY A microphone stand sits in front of International Monetary Fund (IMF) Headquarters in Washington, in May 16, 2011 in preparation for a statement to the press. (Photo: Getty Images) WASHINGTON—Observing that Burma’s fragile political transition is still in its infancy, and reformers face major challenges to their efforts, the prestigious Asia Society on Thursday urged the US and its global partners to empower the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to help Burma's leaders with macroeconomic reform and economic development strategy.