  The prediction of the strong coupling assuming (supersymmetric) coupling
constant unification is reexamined. We find, using the new electroweak data,
$\alpha_{s}(M_{Z}) \approx 0.129 \pm 0.010$. The implications of the large
$\alpha_{s}$ value are discussed. The role played by the $Z$ beauty width is
stressed. It is also emphasized that high-energy (but not low-energy)
corrections could significantly diminish the prediction. However, unless
higher-dimension operators are assumed to be suppressed, at present one cannot
place strong constraints on the super-heavy spectrum. Non-leading electroweak
threshold corrections are also discussed.
