Kind of like Basra (just next to Tallil) also being in the "safest" part of the country?
Who said anything about Basra??? And as Roamingwolf correctly pointed out, Basra is a Looong way from Tallil; a very different part of the country.
Would you be happy to not where your flak jacket and helmet going in there?
Funny you should bring that one up. Firstly, the A/C has to fly over other places than Tallil. Secondly, I've never seen a loadmaster wear one (do they know more than we do?).
Would you be happy flying into there on a civilian aircraft?
No, for the same reason. (flying over other parts of the country). BUT... I'd feel very safe doing circuits in a civilian craft over Tallil.
DIVOSH!