I also have to travel a fair bit with work and the differences in security arrangements in various locales is staggering.
As examples, if it's perceived that travelers from the middle-east are more likely to be a threat, then it surprises me that security in Qatar, Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi (only singled out because that's predominantly where I travel in the region) is much more relaxed than Europe or the UK.
I don't travel to the states much so I can't comment.
European security is fairly consistent between countries, Denmark, UK, Romania, Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Spain, Bulgaria, Greece & Turkey (again because I travel to these places frequently).
I ask at security, do you want me to take external hard drives out of my bag? (Along with having to remove my laptop, iPad, phone etc) and they say no, then after passing the scanner, they hold my bag asking why I need this equipment.
I want to say mind your effin business, is it permitted to carry them, or not? Yes or no, it's easy. Yes is always the answer, so what's the problem.
Cameras, I often carry a video and still camera. What do you want with these in Oman? What? They're effin cameras for Gs sake, I have one in the phone and on my iPad, again, yes or no? Yes is the answer, so WTF.
Stupid time wasting, disruptive, annoying and degrading tactics, IMO. list what we can carry, or better still what we can't carry, then leave us alone! That's without having to pass through half naked and re-dressing at a small table or chair in everyone's way.
...and the real terrorists still get through. It all needs re-thinking IMHO.