American Prestige Special - Who Controls Southern Yemen? w/ Annelle Sheline
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Dec 17, 2025 
Derek interviews Annelle Sheline, a research fellow at the Quincy Institute and expert on Gulf and Middle East affairs. They explore the Southern Transitional Council's recent territorial gains in Yemen and their impact on a fractured political landscape. Annelle discusses the historical roots of southern secessionism, the inefficacy of the Presidential Leadership Council, and the Emirati backing of STC forces. The conversation also covers the potential for long-term division between North and South Yemen and the strategic importance of the region's oil-rich provinces.
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STC Controls Most Former South Yemen
- The STC's December seizures of Hadramaut, al-Mahra, and Abyan give it control over most former South Yemen and key oil fields.
- This shifts a long-stalemated conflict and raises Saudi–Emirati rivalry over southern influence.
PLC Is An Implausible Unity Project
- The Presidential Leadership Council bundles competing factions including STC and Islah, creating inherent dysfunction.
- Those conflicting goals make the IRG largely theoretical rather than a cohesive governing body.
Historical Roots Of Southern Secessionism
- South and North Yemen have distinct colonial and political histories that explain present cleavages.
- Southern grievances from resource distribution and 1994 defeat fuel persistent secessionist sentiment.