Can the huge reservoirs of oil under Iraq bring it prosperity and security at last? Or will it further divide the country between those who have the oil and wealth, and those that don't?

Sydney Morning Herald Chief Correspondent Paul McGeough tries to find the answers in a special guest report for Dateline.

He's been speaking to those in charge of turning round the country and its oil industry, and meeting the ordinary Iraqis struggling with chronic electricity, gas and water shortages, all in scorching 50 degree heat.

They all tell of a crumbling infrastructure, security concerns, corruption and still no government at the top to get things moving - locals describe themselves as 'powerless' in every sense.

WATCH - See Paul's insight into this turning point in Iraq's history.

VIDEO EXTRA - Paul gives Online Producer Andrew Sainsbury his personal views on whether Iraq will succeed in using its huge oil reserves to create a successful country.

READ - Read Paul's reports from the The Sydney Morning Herald (Sat 16th Oct), The Sun-Herald (Sun 17th Oct) and The Sydney Morning Herald (Mon 18th Oct); and in The Age in Melbourne (Sat 16th Oct), The Sunday Age (Sun 17th Oct) and The Age (Mon 18th Oct).



LIVE CHAT - Unfortunately Paul was unable to join our planned live chat after the program, so please instead click here to leave your comments on the story.

BLOG - SBS cameraman Ryan Sheridan found working in Iraq far more difficult than he imagined. Read about his experience in the Dateline blog.

PHOTO GALLERY - Paul McGeough and SBS cameraman Ryan Sheridan faced many logistical challenges making this story. Find out more in our photo gallery of their trip.

REPLAY - See Paul McGeough's previous story as guest reporter for Dateline. Highway to Hell followed international security forces in Afghanistan, with the difficult job of building a crucial new highway through hostile territory.

On air: 17th October 2010