In Iraq, those critical of the 2003 invasion welcomed Blair's impending departure.

"We hope that Bush will follow," said Ali Kredi, 55, a retired Sunni resident of Baghdad. "Bush has lost a staunch ally and this might add more pressure on him to withdraw from Iraq."

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But in southern Basra, where British soldiers have been based since 2003, some worried the city will fall into chaos when Britain reduces its troop presence.

"Blair's resignation will have a negative effect on Iraq," said Karim Abdullah, a 45-year-old engineer. "Iraqis will lose an important politician who was supportive of the Iraqi people, especially in Basra, where the British army gave a good example of cooperation with the locals."

Former President Clinton said he was grateful for Blair's service.

"Blair revitalized his party, modernized his country's economy and its approach to social problems, took the lead on global issues from climate change to debt relief to doubling aid to Africa, to the quest for peace in Northern Ireland and Kosovo, and started the global Third Way political movement," Clinton said.

Blair's last months in office also have been overshadowed by a police investigation into claims that his party and the opposition traded political honors for cash. Senior Blair aide Ruth Turner, Blair's chief fundraiser Lord Levy and two others have been arrested during the police inquiry into claims that seats in the House of Lords and other honors were awarded in exchange for party donations. Prosecutors are considering whether anyone should be charged.

Blair was questioned twice by police as a witness, but is not considered a suspect.

In recent months, Blair's thoughts have turned to the lessons of his decade in power.

"When I first started in politics, I wanted to please everyone," Blair said during a tour of the Middle East in December. "After a time I learned that you can't please everyone, and you learn that the best thing is to do what you think is right and everyone can make their judgment."

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