NEWARK, New Jersey—Some 40 people picketed in a steady rain here December 2 against the Obama administration’s decision to send tens of thousands more troops to Afghanistan. The rush-hour protest was in downtown Newark in front of the offices of U.S. senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg.

Protesters chanted, “Bring the troops home now!” “Lautenberg and Menendez: Stop the funding for the killing,” and “Bush, Obama: Different name, same game.”

The picket line was sponsored by New Jersey Peace Action, United for Peace and Justice, Veterans for Peace, Military Families Speak Out, Teaneck Peace and Justice Coalition, and People’s Organization for Progress.

—BY SARA LOBMAN