The good thing about the Stormcloaks is they bring out the worst in the Nords. Yes, this is a good thing. Because there are foreign soldiers, Elves no less, holding a large amount of power in Skyrim, Nord land, threatening the Nords culture and way of life. Sometimes in order to defeat Evil it take another kind of Evil, Ulfric and the Stormcloaks.
However, there is a problem with this. IF this were true then Ulfric would not have cooperated with the Thalmor. As GrumpyBadger said, the Thalmor manipulated Ulfric's hatred into killing their enemies but he also willingly cooperated with the Thalmor prior to and up to Markarth. There's also the problem of the last respected High King (Istlad) wanting to maintain cooperation with the Empire.
If I was an Imperial again, (which maybe I is and am in denial
) I would write this prescription for the Empire:
1) All Occupied Imperial Forts must cleansed, respectfully pillaged and returned to the Empire proper. (Like the Fort Greymoor? in Whiterun)
2) Stormcloaks/Thalmor must be engaged and eliminated anywhere they might be found. (Search and Destroy (SoD) in between carrying out other goals)
3) Northwatch Keep must be eliminated, prisoners released.
4) Empire must win the Civil War, Ulfric & Galmar's head should be sent back to Cyrodil.
5) SoD remaining Stormcloak camps.
6) Eliminate the Emperor and EVERYONE of his Officers including all PO Soldiers. (This discredits everything they've done and puts the Blades into position to be relevant again)
7) The Rep of Elder Council who makes #6 possible should be allowed to return home safely, minus his valuables, jewels cash, credit card, anything like that.
8) Deal with the Dragons as best as possible.
9) Stop Poteyma the Wolf Queen. (I saved her for last because this might be the hardest thing to do of all)
Personally, I think killing Gen Tullius and Leg Rikke is a huge mistake. They're worth far more alive than Ulfric and Galmar. They do seem to care and want to make things right again, not radically change the country out of emotion(s). Not to mention my great fondness for the Leadership and positive personality displayed by every Imperial Jarl.
A true leader is not guided by emotion and does not make decisions out of emotional pain.