I looked at the code of your post, and there is no text between the >< at the end of the tag. When you do a link in the editor, after you enter the link, and hit enter, the cursor will default to that spot in the code. Paste again and it's good to go. Or enter text if you wish. I tend to put the URL so that readers can see what site I'm linking to before they click.

As far as Julian goes, I'm not looking forward to any trial here in the states and the media circus it may generate. Let's just say I'm not a fan and believe he had a role in influencing the results of our 2016 election that put the mango guy in the presidency.