Not sure of the final thoughts up thread about transit security. Seems like there should be no security check for INT to INT when transiting from the USA to Asia...
From the IST Airport website...
Transfer Passengers
International Transfer Passengers With An International Connection Flight) A boarding card is issued for the passenger (if not issued in the country of origin) at the transit desk of the relevant handling company on the Arrivals floor. The passenger does not go through passport control.
Instead, he/she directly proceeds through the transit area into the International Departures area. Baggage will be automatically transferred to the connecting flight.