On the prophetic timeline, Armageddon does not take place until the 6th vial of God's wrath,(Rev.16:12-16) which is after the Great Tribulation. We have not yet even entered the last 7 year period, because the Holy Covenant(mid-east peace treaty) is what starts this final "week" of prophecy into motion.(Da.9:24-27)
The ensuing retalliation on the people linked to the attacks of Sep.11, and the threat of a continued conflict, may lead parties to a sense of urgency to consumate the peace treaty. There shall be wars and rumors of wars, but the end is not yet. These things are in the beginning of sorrows, leading into the last 7 years, which culminates with the 2nd coming of Christ.
This has been a wake-up call for America ,desite it's superpower status, to come out of it's spiritual slumber and backsliding, and realize that this country is not immune to attack from outside forces. This is a foreshadowing of what will come to pass in the near future when Babylon is destroyed completely. It is the will of God that his people study and learn his word, so that we will not be caught unaware and unprepared when major prophetic events arrive. This must take place before the fact, if it's going to do us any good. If we do, we will heed the call of God's angel when he announces to,"Come out of her,(Babylon) my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues"... God help us all repent and draw near to Him, for in Him only, is our true source of protection and refuge.