Events taking place in the Middle East today will shape the security and stability of Europe and the world for decades to come, Jordanian King Abdullah II said in an editorial published in The Telegraph.

"This is why I call the war on terrorism a Third World War, by other means. It is also why it is imperative for all of us to be united in this existential war. This is not a war that should divide us, but a war that should unite us in shared interests, common principles and fundamental human values," the king said.

It is a war that knows no boundaries, no geography or demography, King Abdullah noted.

One that is not limited to Syria and Iraq, but extends to Africa, Asia, with its flames reaching Europe and the rest of the world, he added.

The king stressed that Jordan considers the United Kingdom a close and historic friend, and a key ally. "The United Kingdom certainly appreciates that these criminals are as much a threat to its own population as they are to us and the rest of the world."

"We have witnessed with shock and sadness the brutal murder of British hostages. We have seen many failed plots against the UK, and the campaign to lure youngsters from Britain and across Europe to commit the most atrocious crimes, everywhere.

"And you have seen how they have also brutally murdered Muslims in Syria, Iraq and elsewhere. The horrific images of the burning of our brave young pilot, Moaz al-Kasasbeh, remain forever in the collective conscience of the civilized world today.

"Both our countries are working side by side in fighting the Khawarej in Iraq, and we see the capabilities of your Royal Air Force and its determined pilots. But again, while we respect borders, terrorists do not recognize them. Therefore, we need to look at the bigger picture. It is not enough to focus just on Iraq because they also control large areas in Syria and are establishing footholds in other areas in Asia and Africa."

"We need to work with Syrian opposition forces, who are on the ground in Syria, to defeat the Khawarej, while working with equal determination on advancing the political process. The Syrian opposition, especially in the south, is both capable and willing to fight and they deserve our support.

"Of course, military action is only part of the answer in delivering a secure future for all of us. We need to coordinate our efforts on a strategy that includes humanitarian support, as well as diplomatic and political progress."

Sources: MENA