Final answer:
ATC may clear nonparticipating IFR traffic through an MOA if IFR separation can be provided, otherwise, they will reroute the IFR traffic around the MOA.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around how Air Traffic Control (ATC) manages nonparticipating IFR traffic around a Military Operations Area (MOA). Whenever an MOA is active, ATC may clear nonparticipating IFR traffic through the MOA only if IFR separation can be maintained. The correct answer to the question is that ATC may clear nonparticipating IFR traffic through an MOA if IFR separation can be provided. In cases where this separation cannot be maintained, ATC has to reroute the IFR traffic around the MOA.
It's important to understand that Military Operations Areas are designated to separate certain military activities from IFR traffic. The primary intent is to keep IFR traffic safe while allowing flexibility for military training maneuvers. When IFR separation by ATC is not possible, the nonparticipating IFR traffic cannot be cleared through the MOA for safety reasons.
Given this, the other options presented (always clear, not clear any, or must request special permission from the FAA) are incorrect in the general context of how MOAs are typically handled. It is always up to the discretion of ATC to ensure the safety of the airspace and to provide necessary separation between all traffic.