It’s a no win proposition, no matter how you try to look at it. From the perspective of the majority, they do not want the US involved and we keep insisting.
They will take help when the US helps their side, because hey, free guns and money for butter too, but it does not matter what side we prop up we instantly make them a target long term because the people there simply don’t want us involved.
So, if I was president I would do what my predecessors have done and send a seemingly impressive figurehead to take moonshots at peace with whoever they can get an audience with. Former presidents, Jesse Jackson, Dr. Phil, whoever has the highest Q score for the Middle East and will take the gig.
That’s reality. If I was a short term president, not up for reelection, in a perfect world, I would start programs to set up schools in the towns where people have it rough right now. Regardless of what “side” they were on their kids could come and get a decent education, a meal, and time with other kids. If there are soldiers involved, they just make sure the school and staff is safe.
People everywhere want opportunities for their kids, it’s the best way to earn someone’s respect. It’s not a nuanced plan, or a plan that shows measurable returns immediately, but if you help enough families find something better than war, eventually we’d make some actual friends in the area instead of friends we have to pay to hang out with us.