the way Bruce Schneier talks about better security via building resilient structures rather than concentrating on foiling specific "Hollywood" terror scenarios.

Also, see Taleb's Antifragile

I've heard rumors that Middle Easterners' aggression may be caused by zinc deficiency from eating unleavened bread; don't know how true/useful that is.

I suspect some history/culture is a better explanation... But why not drop some zinc on them just in case? Go Team America!