Profoud! I did not think of Shaam including Anatolia, the Ottomans, the red flags, NATO actions. Wow.
That distinction is a fair point...
And yes, the Sufyani and the Dajjal are distinct figures. As for the Sufyani being an Arab, couldn't one argue that is not necessary in modern times? He could be considered of Sufyani descent even if once someone from the descendants of Abu Sufyan went to these other regions and passed on the Sufyani line. After all, it is well known that the Infallible Imams (عليه السلام) were not all pure Arabs by the time of Imam al-Baqiyatullah (عليه السلام), due to the mothers s.a of those Imams (عليه السلام) being from regions such as North Africa, etc, though it is very possible Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَ تَعَالَى) changed nature's way for the Imams (عليه السلام) as a miracle, which would explain why Ahadith state Imam al-Baqiyatullah (عليه السلام) will have an Arab complexion.
As for the rising from Shaam, that is a very fair point. But could the Hadith mean that first he takes control of Damascus, through a less 'visible' operation. after which he would openly make claims that would place him as the Sufyani?
That Hadith is also very compelling. A lot of sources online also suggest that the man will rise from Yemen, and this Hadith does seem to support that idea.
JazakAllah for your insight! Please, discuss this more, it is a very interesting and even important topic. Other forum members should come in too! :)