The US-Iraq security pact stipulates that all American combat troops will withdraw from Iraqi cities at the end of this month.

Some Iraqis suspect the Americans will not keep their promise.

Others view that same promise as a betrayal and abandonment.

Meanwhile, Iraq is struggling to exploit its oil potential, revive its economy and move the country forward.

Our guest this week is Ali Allawi, a former defence minister in Iraq's interim governing council after the fall of Saddam Hussein and a former trade and finance minister.

This episode of Inside Iraq aired from Friday, June 26, 2009.