Blowing in the wind
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq -- An Air Force flag in tent city here waves in the fierce winds of a sand storm recently. From mid-June to mid-September, base residents can experience a "shamal," a steady wind from the north and northwest. Dust storms accompany these winds and may rise to height of several thousand feet, causing hazardous flying conditions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Cohen A. Young)