. . . but that was the easy part

I look forward to multiple utterances and writings claiming that with respect to the elections in Iraq, "that was the easy part." I have grown used to hearing and seeing the "easy part" analysis after each milestone (the invasion, the march to Baghdad, the toppling of the Saddam regime, the capture of Saddam, the hand-over to the Iraqi government). I do not expect this milestone to be any different. Before these milestones, however, no one ever claims that it will be easy.

UPDATE: Look also for the corollary, "but now comes the hard part."

UPDATE: True to form, MSNBC/AP: With elections over, the hard part remains ("Now comes the hard part").

UPDATE: More Bangor Daily News: Now Comes the Hard Part
Venture County Star: Who Won, Who Lost in Iraqi Elections