Behind The Lines with Arthur Snell A Storm of Princes: Saudi Arabia and the UAE fight over South Yemen
7 snips
Dec 30, 2025 
Freelance journalist Iona Craig, an expert on Yemen since 2010, delves into the turbulent struggle for control in South Yemen, revealing it as a proxy battle between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. She discusses the STC's rapid territorial gains and how these shifts reflect deeper regional conflicts. Iona connects Yemen's unrest to UAE ambitions in Sudan, contrasts Saudi Arabia's focus on border security with the UAE's assertive strategies, and warns of potential escalations reminiscent of past conflicts, highlighting the delicate balance of power in the region.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Gulf Allies Turning Strategic Rivals
- Saudi Arabia and the UAE are drifting from allied partners into strategic rivals over Yemen and Sudan.
- Recent UAE-backed STC moves in southern Yemen exposed deep policy divergence with Saudi Arabia.
STC's Rapid Eastward Advance
- In early December the UAE-backed STC surged east into Hadramaut and al-Mahra in days, surprising many observers.
- Saudi-backed National Shield Forces offered little resistance and the STC quickly consolidated control.
Saudi Publicly Confronts UAE-Backed Forces
- Riyadh publicly demanded STC withdrawal and handed control to National Shield Forces, signaling a sharp Saudi stance.
- Saudi airstrikes over Christmas showed willingness to use force against UAE-backed actors.