It seems to me that the US was inclined to not take ownership of Bishop since that would quell any trade talks with the Chinese. What exactly was the purpose of learning about Bishop's work history? What type of information were they looking for that would make them want to save Bishop and destroy the trade talks?
BE YOUR OWN FANBOY
I think they just wanted to find out whether in their eyes he was some sort of star agent who should have been saved and thus demanded a loss of face to the Chinese to secure him back. Instead after hearing his career highlights from Muir, it's inferred they were going to just let things play out, meaning he would face execution.
sharethat makes sense
BE YOUR OWN FANBOY
This doesn't make sense. If that was the case all Muir would need to do is embellish Bishop's career and he would be rescued. It seems that quite the opposite was going on. It seems like they were looking for a reason to burn Bishop and Muir was withholding info and dodging key questions. For instance after Bishop's kill in 'Nam Muir is asked if there was an official presidential order authorizing the kill. Muir does not answer. They also suggest implicating Bishop for the murder of Anne Cathcart. The whole day Muir has to maneuver around them to rescue Bishop.
I don't get why they needed dirt on him and why they wanted him dead. He was already in Chinese custody due for execution within a day. What info were they trying to get from Muir and to what end? What does sideshow have to do with any of this? Anyone have a better understanding of the plot than me?
We'll yes the CIA officials are hoping Muir will give them the pretext they need to justify letting Bishop die. At the same time if he was adjudged as being some type of pseudo James Bond, it's inferred they'd begin negotiations for his release but weakening the US position in the trade talks. The dirt you talk of is the pretext.
Neither side wanted the incident blown up in the media. Yes he was scheduled for execution, but if that occurred and was leaked to the media the Chinese would look bad. Muir of course doesn't want to reveal his hand to the suits. In the end he constructs an escape in which everyone wins, except Muir who uses his life savings to fund the operation at the Chinese end, but assuages his guilt over never realising the extent of Bishop's feelings for Hadley.
It did make sense to me.