User blog comment:Thedoucheinthenorth/The Civil War - Why it is great/@comment-5558140-20121101234152/@comment-5135631-20121103012911

Civil war was coming anyway, but as long as it finishes quickly, then it's a lose-lose situation for the Thalmor.

If the Imperials win, their authority and strength is renewed.

If the Stormcloaks win, the AD gain another enemy in the North.

The only thing the Thalmor can hope for is a long drawn out war. They say this themselves.