Are Akm and Aaz the same thing?

Absolutely not. What’s the connection? An idolater is someone who engages in idol worship. Such statements are not valid for anyone. This is a non-binding and not necessarily general description, and there is no point in discussing who it concerns and who it does not. Think for yourself what people’s motivations are and form your own position on the matter. There is no point in forming positions on such issues in light of Talmudic sayings.