Washington ? A magnet to violence-scarred protests, international finance meetings next weekend are attracting thousands of demonstrators to Washington on issues ranging from the war against terrorism to the Mideast conflict. Police are hoping for peace, while bracing for trouble.

Anti-globalization activists plan protests outside the headquarters of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, opposing policies they say benefit the rich and harm the poor in many nations.

Those demonstrators will be joined by groups condemning the war in Afghanistan, supporting the Palestinians and opposing U.S. aid to Colombia and Israel.

“We want a peaceful solution to these problems,” said Maria Ramos, an organizer with the Mobilization to Stop the War. Her coalition includes student and labor groups opposed to what they call the White House’s “war without end.”

Ramos said she expects about 30,000 people on Saturday for an anti-war rally and march beginning near the Washington Monument and ending near the Capitol. She said scheduled speakers include Martin Luther King III and New York civil rights activist Al Sharpton.

District of Columbia Police Chief Charles Ramsey said he has ordered his entire force to duty to deal with the protests and emergencies elsewhere in the city. Several hundred National Guard troops and police from Maryland and Virginia will be available to help.

The Capitol Police and U.S. Park Police will have extra officers on duty. Police cameras on downtown rooftops will track the demonstrations.

“Our biggest concern is that these protests have resulted in violent behavior on the part of some protesters in the past and that’s what we have to guard against,” Ramsey said. “The majority are peaceful, but it’s that one element that tends to show up at these things that gives us concern.”

Anti-globalization protesters have clashed with police since the movement surfaced during violent demonstrations in Seattle in 1999.