We are enjoying??? brownout conditions in the region with the "Shamal" winds (from the desert) and high humidity in the coastal regions which compounds in-flight viz problems and general aircraft handling issues. The recoveries are obviously through night and day and even day arrivals are hazerdous with poor viz, high winds, high temps and high humidity...this in an areroplane that has a 5kt crosswind limit give or take.
Rivetjoint Sorry, did you interpret from comments made that it was Iraq based?? Your assessment is correct, they are about 3.5 hours flying time to the main theatres and 5 to the southern theatres.