About 200 people protesting U.S. involvement in the Middle East demonstrated outside the White House yesterday, carrying signs and chanting slogans criticizing use of the military to protect oil interests.

"It's Not Noble to Die for Mobil," "Spend War Money (1 billion/day) on Solar Power Conversion," and "Militarism Is Not Sheik -- Come to Jesus" read some of the placards carried by protesters on the Pennsylvania Avenue NW sidewalk.

Protesters chanted slogans such as "Hell, no, we won't go. We don't die for Texaco" and "No for war, yes for peace. U.S. out of Middle East."

The rally was organized by the Washington Peace Center. Also marching were representatives of several Arab American groups.

One protester wore an Arab headdress and carried a sign: "U.S. Marines Remember Lebanon." There also were signs supporting Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, including this one: "Kuwait Back to Motherland."

U.S. Park Police said the gathering was peaceful and there were no arrests.