Reconciling supersymmetric grand unification with α_s(m_Z)≈0.11

We argue that supersymmetric grand unification of gauge couplings is not incompatible with small αs, even without large GUT-scale corrections, if one relaxes a usual universal gaugino mass assumption. A commonly assumed relation M₂ ≃ m_gluino/3 is in gross contradiction with α_s ≈ 0.11. Instead, a small αs favors M₂ > m_gluino. If this is indeed the case our observation casts doubt on another commonly used relation M₁≃0.5M₂ which originates from the same constraint of a common gaugino mass at the GUT scale. One firm prediction emerging within the small α_s scenario with the unconstrained gaugino masses is the existence of a relatively light gluino below ∼200\GeV.