Because the direction of the wind during that month would be in their favor.
The Iraq War did not end quickly because the U.S. Government specifically the State and Defense Departments did not have a clear exit strategy. Following civil unrest in Iraq as well as increasing attacks on U.S. soldiers and the newly formed Iraqi Government the U.S. Government was unable to withdraw quickly and suffered large casualties and expended hundreds of billions of dollars in resources.
My personal opinion would probably be a nurse. The reason being is even if I was not allowed to physically help out in the war, I would still feel like I was making a difference.
I think it’s because they have good farm land