Ok. So which will come first in our time - the declaration, or the fighting?
Don't know.
In my more cynical moments I think that any 'sparks' of violence will be contained and reported as "terrorist activities." -- Containment can come a number of ways, cutting the cell-phone and internet of that area would be the most logical step and head off the majority of info-leaks, also I wouldn't put it past screening all outgoing mail and packages for a time, say 6 months, with particular persons put on a "always check" list.
I think it will, in the end boil down to two things: are we-as-a-nation going to do righteousness or wickedness, and how many will buy into the lie of the-state-as-god.