In this excerpt, the use of the word splintered has a <u>negative</u> connotation.
<em><u>Explanation:</u></em>
The expression "splintered whole" is an interesting expression. A thing that is chipped can't be entire, but for this situation it is. Generally the Arab and Jewish individuals have abhorred one another.
Their convictions driving them to numerous savage clashes. The word fragmented alludes to this disdain between the two gatherings, subsequently giving it a negative meaning. The entire alludes to how these individuals can exist together and, as it were, depend on each other regardless of their hypothetical scorn.
