The demonstrations started at Seattle's Federal Building.

Hundreds of anti-war protesters and a handful of pro-troops supporters stood across the street from each other.

"The peace protesters I am behind all the way that's a positive attitude to have against the war," said one man rallying in support of the troops. "But when they're coming out here and swearing against it, and swearing at us, what gives them the right to curse at us when we're being peaceful with them?"

Many protesters bristled at the idea that some people see their demonstrations as detrimental to the troops in Iraq.

They insist there's nothing unpatriotic about protesting a war they don't believe in. "They don't really understand because part of the beauty of our country is that it's a democratic system and we have a right to speak out. We're just trying to voice our opinion."

Problems began Saturday because the anti-war demonstrators did not have a permit to march through downtown - they only had a permit to assemble outside the Federal Building.

But they marched anyway.

Police in full riot gear followed the protesters. A police line forced protesters to stay on sidewalks and off downtown streets. This latest for about an hour, then the officers started making arrests.

Most of the arrests were for obstruction, said police spokeswoman Deanna Nollette. Some were for weapons violations, but she did not have details.

An all-day 12-mile prayer and procession for peace, from Fremont to Ballard's Golden Gardens Park, also was held Saturday.