The Gospel of Mark and Syria?

Just came across this article, Warren Carter, “Mark and Syria? An Assessment,” ExpT 125.11 (2014): 531-37.

It is often argued that Mark’s concern for the temple must indicate that he is in some proximity to the temple, probably from the vantage point of Syria. However, Carter argues that what creates concern and pathos for particular events in the ancient world is not necessarily geographical proximity, but psychological allegiance.

I did my own critique of various proposals about the provenance of Mark in Michael F. Bird, “The Marcan Community, Myth or Maze?” Journal of Theological Studies 57 (2006): 474-86.